Italian Pasta Salad

Classic Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines rotini pasta with fresh vegetables, cheese, pepperoni, and zesty Italian dressing. It's easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a make-ahead side dish for busy weeknights. The combination of crunchy veggies and savory toppings makes every bite refreshing and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 16 oz rotini pasta (multi-colored recommended)

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ pound mozzarella cheese, cubed

• 4 oz pepperoni, halved

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 can (6 oz) black olives, drained

• 8 oz Italian dressing

• 6 oz shredded Parmesan cheese
  
  

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
   
   

2. Add pasta and cook until al dente.
   
   

3. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water.
   
   

4. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, green bell pepper, and black olives.
   
   

5. Pour Italian dressing over the mixture.
   
   

6. Add shredded Parmesan cheese.
   
   

7. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
   
   

8. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
   
   

Nutrients

• Calories: 398 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 34 g

• Protein: 17 g

• Fat: 22 g

• Saturated Fat: 8 g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 9 g

• Trans Fat: 1 g

• Cholesterol: 34 mg

• Sodium: 1211 mg

• Potassium: 239 mg

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 4 g

• Vitamin A: 531 IU

• Vitamin C: 14 mg

• Calcium: 296 mg

• Iron: 1 mg